Stephen Morgan MP has accused the government during a debate in Westminster today of failing to provide “proper access” for pupils to careers advice.
Speaking in the debate, the Portsmouth MP said, “little action has actually been taken to address the postcode lottery our children face in accessing the skills and opportunities they need in school to navigate the world of work.”
The Shadow Schools Minister also said that Labour is backing pupils, parents, businesses, and educators with its pledge to give every child access to quality careers advice in their school.
Labour announced during its 2021 conference its plan to allow children to access a professional careers advisor 1 day a week.
A 2019 Careers England survey found that three quarters of schools have insufficient, limited or no funding for careers advice.
In addition, roughly a third of secondary schools say they receive the equivalent of £5 per student, with 5% receiving just £2.
In 2019, a CBI report also said 44% of employers felt that young people leaving education were not work ready.
The organisation also highlighted the geographic variation in engagement with employers and educational settings.
The City MP visited Portsmouth’s St Edmunds Catholic School last week, which he believes has a “very good offer”, but is concerned that more broadly, students in rural and coastal areas face a postcode lottery on access to joined up support.
The Shadow Schools Minister and Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, said:
“Students across the country are being let down by government as they continue to face a postcode lottery in accessing the support they need to secure jobs for the future.
“As the economy recovers, it’s vital students are prepared to move into the world of work and have access to the support and advice they need.
“Labour would ensure every child has the best chance to succeed, which includes access to professional careers advice. Ministers are risking the futures of the next generation and our economy. It is morally and economically backward and I will continue to hold them to account on this.”
